In a decisive victory, 60 metro -related health nurses in Cleveland have voted overwhelmingly to join the Ohio Nurses Association/AFT, sending a powerful message: Frontline careers are ready for safe staff, workplace strengthening, and united for a real voice.
This win comes in an important moment. Healthcare workers across the country are caught up with chronic exceeding, increasing violence and declining resources. For metro behavior health nurses, the need for change was undeniable.
“With nurses and health professionals registered with the nurse and lead in the metro -health health, it is not just important to raise the real voice at the workplace – it is important,” says Petricia Kane. “One union means standing together, knowing that you are not alone, and have the power to help and advocate you. We stood together and said ‘Union yes’ because we know that it is better in the union. It is a victory for all of us – and for every patient who depends on our care.”
Ken has also emphasized that unity will provide concrete reservations for nurses, make sure they will not have to work with fear. “Now, when we face unsafe assignments, we will not just need to speak-we will be able to document it through the objection papers against the assignment.” “If anything is wrong, we will have the convenience. We are also demanding accountability from the administration, so they follow the standards we are expected.
For registered nurse Kamila Philips, the decision to unite is deeply personal. Philips explained, “I’ve been taking health care for 20 years, and the health of behavior is my passion. In the metro, we serve some very weak population-those who have no insurance, low-income people, and care are desperately needed.” “We are a dedicated team of nurses that care about our patients. But for a long time, our concerns have been ignored. That’s why we voted for the union.”
Philips emphasizes that unity among the nurses was a stimulus behind their decision. She says, “We all had the same concerns – unmanaged staff, violence at work, patients care issues – but when we attracted them to the administration, nothing changed.” “Finally, we saw the small improvement, but not near. Due to the power to come together, the power to stand for ourselves, and to unite each other’s back in a clear election.”
Increasing the hurry, there is a risk of targeting mental health services before eliminating federal funding, potentially leaving countless patients without care. Philips confessed, “I’m very worried.” “Mental health is already low, and if resources are deducted further, we will see that more and more people will be forced on the streets without themselves. It is heartbreaking, and that’s why we have to fight for better situations – not just for ourselves, but for the people we serve.”
With the inclusion of ONA and AFT, metro -behavioral health nurses are part of a growing national movement for healthcare professionals that demand better work conditions and improve patient care.
Union President Rick Lucas praised the courage and determination of the metro nurses. “These nurses have made it clear: they are ready to guide safe workplace and better care,” says Lucas. “By voting overwhelmingly to join Ana and AFT, he has taken a bold step towards saying a genuine in the decisions that affect his patients and their profession in these decisions. It is better in a union.
When they move towards the bargaining of their first contract, metro -behavior health nurses will work together with ONA and AFT to secure resources, reservations and support, which requires the highest quality of maintenance.
[Adrienne Coles, ONA press release]
